The Moon’s and Sun’s Effect on Earth Ocean Tides Electromagnetic Radiation

Ocean Tides The periodic rise and fall of the water level of the ocean High tide – flood Low tide – ebb Difference between high tide and low tide – tidal range The average water level (between tides) – sea level

The Cause of Ocean Tides Gravitational pull from the Moon and Sun Amount of gravity is determined by the size of the object Sun has more gravity, but the Moon has more influence on Earth because of the distance Cycles every 24 hours and 50 minutes Most high tides occur every 12 hours and 25 minutes Low tides occur 6 hours and 12.5 minutes after the high tide Frequency depends on your position on Earth

Spring vs. Neap Tides (High Tides Only) Spring Tides When the Moon and Sun align with Earth in a straight line Very high Neap Tides When the Moon and Sun create a right angle with Earth Lower than Spring Tide but higher than sea level Low tides occur in the area opposite of high tides

The Sun’s Electromagnetic Radiation The Sun produces energy through nuclear fusion 2 Hydrogen Atoms combine to form 1 Helium Atom Radiates energy in all directions Will be able to produce energy for the next 3 billion years

Detection of Solar Radiation Eyes detect visible light energy Skin detects infrared energy through heat Ears detect radio waves (through electronic devices like TV, radios, phones, etc.) Ultraviolet waves cause skin (humans and other animals) to tan (produces Vitamin D) and can lead to skin cancer